Swimming pools as fire water reserves: this is a very common question in practice and during technical discussions. In this response, we list the relevant references and present the practical conclusion.*
Table of Contents
Why is this question asked so often?
The use of a swimming pool as a fire-fighting water supply is one of the most frequently asked questions during training sessions and refresher courses. The reason is simple: in many real-world situations, a volume of water is already available (the swimming pool), and this gives rise to the idea of “putting it to use” for the fire suppression system as well.
Over time, this issue has become a classic practical case: intuitive to raise, but tricky to handle if the goal is to remain fully compliant with the requirements for fire hydrant networks.
A topic discussed among fire safety professionals
Among fire safety professionals, there has always been a heated debate on this topic. This is an important point: we’re not talking about a theoretical curiosity, but rather an issue that sparks debate and differing interpretations, especially when it comes to deciding “what can be done” and “what is recognized as a water supply” in the context of fire hydrant systems.
In these situations, clarifying the scope of what the rules cover (and what they do not cover) becomes crucial.
The Context: The Interest of Certain Businesses in Cost Containment
The idea of using a swimming pool as a fire-fighting water reserve is often advocated by hotel owners, with the aim of keeping fire-fighting system costs down. This contextual factor helps explain why the question comes up so often: people are looking for a solution that appears to be “already available” and potentially advantageous.
Precisely because an economic interest is at stake, it is even more important to verify what is actually provided for and acceptable according to the references cited.
What Does UNI 10779 Say About the Use of Pool Water?
On this point, in 2014, the relevant UNI committee, when consulted, issued a clear opinion. In summary: the UNI 10779 standard (Fire Extinguishing Systems—Hydrant Networks—Design, Installation, and Operation) does not provide for the use of water from a swimming pool for firefighting purposes.
The same passage also specifies that any such use must comply with the technical and legal requirements for safety and reliability. This clearly frames the issue: it is not an automatic “loophole,” nor is it a solution already included among those provided for in the water supply rules.
The Memorandum from the Ministry of the Interior (July 14, 2014, No. 9102)
The opinion referred to was subsequently cited in a note from the Ministry of the Interior, Central Directorate for Prevention and Technical Safety, dated July 14, 2014, No. 9102.
In the overall line of reasoning, this passage is significant because it links the technical discussion (the UNI committee’s opinion) to a formal reference that has been adopted at the institutional level. For those responsible for making operational decisions regarding fire hydrant networks, consistency with these references is key.
What does “not included among the planned water supplies” mean?
As shown in the table, swimming pools are not included among the water sources specified by the rules. In practice, when discussing water sources for fire hydrant systems, it is not enough for water to simply “be there”; what matters is that the water source is among those specified, recognized, and managed in accordance with the guidelines.
For this reason, the idea of using a swimming pool as a fire-fighting water supply runs up against a regulatory limitation: it is not one of the water sources specified in the referenced rule.
Operational conclusion: Can a swimming pool be used as a fire-fighting water supply?
Based on the information provided, the conclusion is clear: swimming pools cannot be used as a fire-fighting water supply.
This answer is particularly useful when considering whether to supply a fire hydrant network using an “existing” water source: the issue is not the availability of water itself, but whether it complies with established and recognized standards.
What to Do in Practice (Without Forcing Interpretations)
Whether the client requirements stem from a desire to reduce costs or simplify the system, the first step is to avoid “principled” assumptions (i.e., “there’s a pool, so let’s use it”) and keep the assessment within the scope of the references cited.
If there are any doubts regarding implementation, it is advisable to conduct a targeted technical inspection of the fire hydrant system and its water supply to avoid making decisions that may later prove inconsistent with the guidelines.
